Commentary: Eagles moving on without Jason Babin

FILE - In this Nov. 18, 2012, file photo, Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Jason Babin reacts to a play during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins in Landover, Md. The Jacksonville Jaguars claimed two-time Pro Bowl defensive end Jason Babin off waivers from Philadelphia on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

PHILADELPHIA — In Jason Babin’s world, a guy who doesn’t tie his shoes, wears shorts to work and has “stinky breath” is unprofessional.

We all know who he was targeting in that opening rant with the media in Jacksonville, his new NFL home after the Eagles unexpectedly kicked him to the curb Tuesday.

We also know Babin would have benefitted from more time in the film room than the open locker room during his year-and-change tour with the Eagles, who he hoped go 11-16.

Good one, Jason. LOL! Like, @JasonBabin93! G2G!

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Eagles players thought those remarks by Babin hilarious. After practice Friday some were checking the media to see if their shoes were tied.

Glad it was fun, fellows. Part of me understands why an underachiever on a team of underachievers is missed.

Babin was professional with me. Honest even when not being completely forthcoming. Just disrespectful enough to remind me of a big kid drifting in and out of adulthood. Caring. He wanted to go Call of Duty all over the guy who fired off a sick rip that included Reid’s late son, who died of a drug overdose. Trust me, if someone said that about my boss, I’d feel the same way. Bet you would, too.

The reality is when you add all of this stuff together and a few more outbursts Babin should have been released a long time ago.

Letting him stick around so long is just another example of the indecision marking what will be the final days of head coach/executive vice president of football Andy Reid.

Very publicly ripping Eagles fans expressing themselves in a critical way wasn’t real bright, was it? Babin realized the mistake, but it was too late. Babin was guilty. Guilty as the small group of totally outraged fans who spewed “vile” invective in the midst of seven-game losing streak sinking the Eagles to the NFC East basement. Guilty of setting a bad example for the younger players who are sticking around.

The standoffishness, the sometimes surly public attitude, the performance that dropped off the mat compared to the 18-sack season of last year and the Eagles’ struggles this season demanded a lot more from a seasoned, high-priced veteran. You don’t want someone like that polluting the youth. Just can’t have it.

Face it, the potential is there for the Eagles to get a lot worse, as Babin surmised during his first day of culture shock with the Jaguars (get used to the TV blackouts, Big Guy).

The Eagles might not win another game this season. They could finish 3-13 with a 12-game losing streak. You can’t even take a chance on the guy for fear he vents more of his frustration.

The Eagles made a statement cutting him. They also saved $1.69 million in salary. I’m not the only one unconvinced Reid had to be talked into this. But, hey, we all know he’s coached past his expiration date here. Right now he’s just trying to make it to the finish line.

For the good of the team the Eagles had to let the veterans know they could be next. Got to get something off your chest? Think about it. Got something funny to say about a bad situation? Think about it.

Last year Asante Samuel talked his way right out the door with a rant about management, what he felt was a power struggle between Reid and the front office and how he was only interested in collecting a paycheck and playing for Big Red. Samuel was OK with the cornerbacks the Eagles brought in, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Nnamdi Asomugha.

Samuel probably should have been canned on the spot. To his credit, he finally got the message. Kept his mouth shut the rest of his tour with the Eagles and even facilitated a trade to Atlanta by redoing his contract.

During the preseason veteran defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins got into it on the sideline with Reid during a game against the Jets. They looked like two guys squaring off in a fit of road rage. Jenkins apologized and has restrained himself. His performance, unfortunately, almost certainly hasn’t been good enough to warrant returning next season. The same can be said of Asomugha, although the Eagles are on the hook for a lot of dead money if they get rid of him.

If the irony hasn’t hit Babin by now, here’s a little help. Just like the guy with the untied shoelaces and the shorts, just like the guys with the stinky breath who should have at last popped a mint before getting in the faces of people they question, just like the media who asked too many leading questions, Babin was guilty of being unprofessional. The culture change is here...finally.